Go for eco-friendly Christmas celebration, DENR reminds Pinoys

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Christmas Eve encouraged the public to celebrate the holidays responsibly and reduce waste by adopting eco-friendly practices.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DENR reminded households to observe the 5Rs of waste management – “refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle,” especially that there is more garbage during the Christmas holidays due to parties, gift-giving, and shopping.

For sustainable, eco-friendly Christmas and New Year celebrations, the DENR encouraged the public to:

• Choose reusables over disposables. Use washable plates, cups, and cutlery instead of single-use paper and plastic items.
• Recycle old newspapers, magazines, or scrap paper into unique gift wrappers or paper bags.
• Reuse holiday materials. Keep ribbons, gift wrappers, and décor for future occasions.
• Bring eco-bags when shopping to reduce plastic waste.
• Reduce or avoid food waste by serving reasonable portions and storing leftovers properly.

“Through mindful choices and small everyday actions, we can protect the environment while still enjoying meaningful celebrations with our families and communities,” the DENR said.

The agency also underscored the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in ensuring proper waste management under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, but also stressed that effective waste management begins in the household and community.

The DENR also emphasized its “continued commitment to working closely with LGUs, regional offices, and partners to strengthen compliance with environmental laws and waste management programs.”

It also noted progress in in the implementation of the 2022 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act.

As of October 2025, compliance reports from obligated enterprises showed that more than 120 million kilograms of rigid plastics and 124 million kilograms of flexible plastics were diverted to more sustainable uses.

“The country has already achieved a 56.12% recovery and diversion rate, surpassing the mandated target of 40%,” the DENR added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News